Greetings to the good folks of the 153rd District. My time here at the Capitol is going by fast, there are only (a few) weeks left in this session. Legislation is moving quickly. All House Bills included in this report have been third read and passed by the House, which means they are headed to the Senate, with the exception of one Senate Bill that has been passed out of the House and is headed to the Governor’s office for his signature.
Bills Sent to the Senate
House Approves Legislation to Protect Victims from Their Abusers (HB 744)
The members of the Missouri House gave strong bipartisan support to legislation that would allow victims of abuse to obtain lifetime orders of protection against extreme, obsessive abusers.
This would end the necessity for victims to have to return to court every year to get a new protection order, and incurring the associated costs, as well as having to face their abuser again in court.”
HB 391 provides that members of the Missouri National Guard will be considered state employees for the purpose of operating state-owned vehicles for official state business.
HB 661 disqualifies any person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life if they are convicted of using a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving severe forms of human trafficking. Supporters say this is needed to provide a strong disincentive to human trafficking.
HB 991 exempts federal economic impact payments from state income tax. Supporters say the bill will reduce the tax burden for taxpayers by waving the tax on direct economic stimulus payments from the federal government.
HB 297 designates Southeast Missouri State University as an institution with a statewide mission in visual and performing arts, computer science, and cybersecurity. The bill creates the “Students’ Right to Know Act”, which, beginning January 1, 2022, requires the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to annually collect and compile specified information to help high school students make more informed decisions about their futures and ensure they are adequately aware of the costs of four-year college and alternative career paths.
HB 570 allows motor vehicles to turn left on red light when turning onto a one-way street. Supporters say most other states have this rule which is just as safe as the right turn on red rule given the configuration of one way streets specified in the bill.
HB 402 prohibits the Lottery Commission, state lottery, any contracted organization, or any of their employees from publishing the name, address, or identifying information of a lottery winner in printed or electronic form for distribution or sale to the public. An individual may permit public disclosure of his or her information by providing written release to the state lottery on a form provided by the state lottery if requested.
HB 825 establishes that a person commits the offense of mail theft if the person intentionally takes mail from another person’s mailbox or premises without the consent of the addressee and with intent to deprive the addressee of the mail. Supporters say the bill addresses crimes associated with a recent influx of home deliveries.
Bills Sent to the Governor
SB 189 creates a “Negro Leagues Baseball Museum” special license plate. Upon making a $10 contribution to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a vehicle owner may apply for the plates. Applicants shall also pay a $15 fee in addition to regular registration fees, but no additional fee shall be charged for the personalization of the plates.
If you have any questions regarding any state matters or legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact email me at Darrell.Atchison@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-1066.
If you would like to sign up for my capitol report following this link: https://house.mo.gov/CapitolReport.aspx?district=153 .
It is an honor to serve as your state representative.
Darrell Atchison represents District 153, which includes Carter and Ripley counties and parts of Wayne and Butler counties.